Specially designed myopia control soft contact lenses are an evidence-based option that can help slow the rate at which a child’s prescription increases.

At Illume Eye Care in Ponsonby, Auckland, we offer advanced myopia management programmes using leading contact lens technologies including:

• Acuvue Abiliti™ 1-Day
• MyDay® MiSight
• Other specialised lenses such as NaturalVue® and Mylo®

Our experienced clinicians work closely with families to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for each child.

What is Myopia (Short-Sightedness)?

Myopia occurs when the eye grows longer than normal, causing light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it. This results in blurry distance vision. Childhood myopia tends to progress as children grow, particularly during school years.

Higher levels of myopia are associated with increased lifetime risks of eye disease including:

• Retinal detachment
• Myopic maculopathy
• Glaucoma
• Earlier cataracts

This is why modern eye care focuses not only on correcting vision, but also on slowing myopia progression where possible.

How Myopia Control Contact Lenses Work

Myopia control soft lenses use specially designed optical zones to influence how light focuses on the retina.

While the central portion of the lens provides clear vision, surrounding optical zones create a signal that can help slow the eye’s elongation.

Clinical studies have shown certain myopia control lenses can slow progression by around 50–60% on average in many children.

These lenses are worn during the day and replaced daily, making them simple and hygienic.

Myopia Control Contact Lens Options

Acuvue Abiliti™ 1-Day

Acuvue Abiliti™ 1-Day is one of the newest myopia management lenses available in New Zealand. It has impressive backgound science and the Team at Illume have been utalising this lens since late 2024. It uses ring-shaped optical zones designed to slow myopia progression while maintaining clear vision.

Benefits include:

• Daily disposable convenience
• Breathable silicone hydrogel material
• UV protection built into the lens
• Designed specifically for children with progressing myopia

MiSight® 1 Day

MyDay MiSight® 1 Day is one of the most widely studied myopia control contact lenses. It uses dual-focus optical zones to help slow eye growth while correcting vision.

MiSight has been shown in clinical studies to:

• Slow myopia progression in many children
• Be safe and well tolerated for daily wear
• Provide clear, stable vision throughout the day

Because it is daily disposable, there is no cleaning or storage required, which simplifies lens care for children and parents.

Other Myopia Control Contact Lens Options

Some children benefit from alternative myopia control lens designs depending on their prescription, eye shape, and visual needs. Other options we may consider include:

NaturalVue® Multifocal

Uses extended depth-of-focus optics designed to slow myopia progression while maintaining good visual performance.

Mylo® Contact Lenses

A newer myopia control lens option designed specifically for children and young adults with progressive myopia.

Our clinicians will discuss these options if they may be more suitable for your child.

Why Parents Choose Soft Contact Lenses for Myopia Control

Many families are surprised to learn that children as young as 7–8 years old can successfully wear contact lenses. For many children, soft lenses offer several advantages:

Clear vision for sports and activities

Contact lenses move with the eye, providing stable vision without glasses slipping or fogging.

Better peripheral vision

Unlike glasses, contact lenses allow a wider field of vision, which can benefit sport and outdoor activities.

Confidence and independence

Some children feel more confident without glasses, particularly during school and sport.

Daily disposable hygiene

Fresh lenses every day mean:

• No cleaning solutions
• Reduced risk of deposit build-up
• Simple routines for children and parents

Are Contact Lenses Safe for Children?

When prescribed and monitored by an experienced optometrist, daily disposable contact lenses are considered very safe for children. Safety depends on:

• Proper fitting
• Good hygiene
• Regular eye examinations
• Following wear instructions

At Illume Eye Care we:

• Provide structured training sessions for children and parents
• Carefully assess whether a child is ready for contact lenses
• Monitor eye health and prescription changes over time

Research shows that children wearing daily disposable contact lenses often have complication rates similar to or lower than teenagers and adults.

What to Expect at a Myopia Management Consultation

A comprehensive myopia consultation typically includes:

• Detailed vision assessment
• Eye health examination including axial length
• Measurement of myopia progression
• Corneal measurements and tear film assessment
• Discussion of lifestyle factors (screen use, outdoor time)

We then discuss the most appropriate treatment options, which may include:

• Myopia control contact lenses
• Orthokeratology (overnight lenses)
• Myopia control spectacle lenses
• Low-dose atropine drops

Many children benefit from combining treatments depending on their individual risk profile.

Why Choose Illume Eye Care for Myopia Management?

At Illume Eye Care in Ponsonby, Auckland, we provide advanced myopia management tailored to each child. We're also parents! Our clinic offers:

✔ Experienced clinicians specialising in children’s vision
✔ Access to the latest myopia control technologies
✔ Ongoing monitoring of eye growth and progression
✔ A calm, child-friendly environment
✔ Mandarin-speaking clinicians available for families who prefer consultations in Mandarin

We work closely with parents to ensure children receive the safest and most effective care for their long-term eye health.

Book a Myopia Consultation in Auckland

If your child’s prescription is increasing each year, early intervention may help reduce the risk of high myopia later in life. Book a Myopia Management Consultation at Illume Eye Care to discuss whether myopia control contact lenses may be suitable for your child.